Rhode Island § 44-21-1 - Duty on Auction Sales

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 44-21-1 — Duty on Auction Sales, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-21-1. Duty on Auction Sales

R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-21-1

§ 44-21-1. Sales subject to duty.

All sales by auction are made by an auctioneer and are subject to a duty to the state, except the following:

(1) Sales made pursuant to any judgment, sentence, decree, order, or rule of any court or judicial officer of the state or of any court of the United States having jurisdiction within the state;

(2) Sales made by virtue of any writ, execution, warrant of distress, or order of law, or the property of any city or town, sales of property held by executors, administrators, or guardians of estates lying or being within the state;

(3) Sales of pews, or choice of pews in houses of public worship; and

(4) Sales of goods exhibited at any fair held by the Rhode Island society for the encouragement of domestic industry, or by the Aquidneck agricultural society, and which may be sold by auction during the continuance of the fair.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 159, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 188, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 216, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 337, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 44-21-1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 44-21-1

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 44-21-1 cover?

Section 44-21-1 ("Duty on Auction Sales") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 44-21-1?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 44-21-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 44-21-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.